6 days ago
Illegal charter in Madeira Beach shut down by U.S. Coast Guard
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MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — The U.S. Coast Guard shut down an illegal charter carrying 40 passengers near Madeira Beach Sunday.
The Coast Guard Station Sand Key law enforcement crew said it investigated the 50-foot boat and found several violations, including that it was under the control of a captain who was unable to produce a license.
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Other violations included the following:
Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection
Failure to have sufficient life jackets on board
Failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation on board
Failure of crew enrolled in a drug testing program
The 40 passengers were escorted back to the Cambria Hotel after the charter's voyage was terminated, according to authorities.
'The Coast Guard regulates passenger vessel operations to ensure public safety. We urge anyone paying for a trip on a vessel to verify the vessel's captain has a Merchant Mariner Credential and a Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers,' said Brian Knapp, chief of investigations at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. 'If the captain can't produce their license, do not get on the boat.'
According to the Coast Guard, owners and operators of illegal charter boats can face civil penalties of over $60,000. Failure to operate a passenger vessel without a merchant mariner credential can cost operators up to $22,324 alone.
Anyone suspecting a vessel of violating the law is asked to report it to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 727-502-8720.
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